Causes of sixth nerve palsies in children: a retrospective study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Causes of sixth nerve palsies in children: a retrospective study at Southampton eye unit
IRAS ID
235279
Contact name
James Self
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Southamptonn
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Summary
This study aims to report the incidence and causes of sixth nerve palsies in children presenting to Southampton general hospital over the past ten years with an aim to highlight the most common causes of sixth nerve palsy, the most common path of presentation and other common associated signs and symptoms in order to guide future clinical practice in the UK.
Data will be collected retrospectively by using a diagnostic search tool on our electronic record systems, E-Docs and Medisoft used by University Hospitals Southampton and Southampton eye unit.
Only data to answer the research question will be collected from eligible patient electronic medical records. No identifiable information will be stored. In cases where this information is not available online, paper medical notes may be obtained.Summary of Results
Thirty-three (66%) patients had a new-onset sixth nerve palsy in conjunction with other neurological signs or symptoms and were considered non-isolated. Seventeen cases (34%) were found to be isolated. Etiologies included high intracranial pressure (18%), neoplasm (14%), surgery for neoplasm (14%), viral (14%), infection (12%), trauma (8%), idiopathic (6%), benign space-occupying lesion (4%), congenital (2%), inflammation (2%), Alexander’s disease (2%), Kawasaki syndrome (2%), and diabetes (2%). Our study found non-isolated sixth nerve palsies to be the most common presentation. These patients had a high number of potentially sinister etiologies, the most common being high intracranial pressure followed by post-surgery for neoplasm and neoplasm. Isolated sixth nerve palsies were more commonly due to viral or idiopathic etiology; however, two cases of benign space-occupying lesion and one of neoplasm were identified.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
19/ES/0016
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion